Frozen Pops With Drinkable Liquid or Edible Solid Center

ABSTRACT

A mold for forming a frozen pop or molded treat, and a method for forming a frozen pop and frozen pops or molded treats made therefrom are described which include a female mold body defining an interior mold space and having a first open end and a second end; a base having a support surface with an opening extending longitudinally therethrough, the base configured to be positioned around or within the first end of the female mold body and to support by the support surface a frozen pop or molded treat formed in the interior space of the female mold body; and a removable male insert mold body, wherein the male insert mold body is configured to fit through the opening in the support surface in the base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of and claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/887,368,filed May 5, 2013, entitled, “Frozen Pops With Drinkable Liquid orEdible Solid Center,” which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/697,221, filed Sep. 5,2012, entitled “Frozen Pops With Liquid Center,” the entire disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of frozen confections and drinks,particularly frozen solid hand held treats such as pops having a centercontaining liquid.

Description of Related Art

It is known that people commonly enjoy novelty beverages, both alcoholicand non-alcoholic, which combine flavors or provide a uniquecombination, such as mixed alcoholic drinks, blended smoothies, fruitcombination drinks, combination specialty martinis, and the like inorder to satisfy a variety of tastes and experiences.

The alcoholic beverage industry has also introduced a number of newflavored spirits, e.g., flavored vodka. Vodka, for example, because ofits unique flavor which is typically served cold over ice, and blendingcapability has been combined with ice or used in various frozen blenderdrinks. Spirits such as vodka can also be combined with ice sculpturesand frozen drink fountains and the like.

Other frozen treats combine textures as well as flavors, for example,when ordering water ice with soft ice cream in a gelato combination, onepicks the two flavors for combination. As a result of the trend incombining flavors and textures, as well as enjoyment of frozen beveragetreats, there have been prior art attempts to prepare frozen drink cupsand/or pop making devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,516 of Horen describes use of an insertable hollowshaft having a handle that can be put into a drink bottle to enable auser to pour liquid into the bottle when right-side-up, and then invertit so that liquid fills the portion of the inverted bottle around theexterior of the inserted hollow cylinder shaft up to a specific level.When the liquid freezes, it forms an ice ring. The user can store thebottle with the frozen ice ring, and when ready to use it, pour abeverage through the ice ring so as to drink the beverage cold.

German Patent Publication No. 10 2004 007 417 A1 is an example of an icecup mold. It discloses a mold that can be formed of a rubber such assilicone for forming an ice cup. The mold produces a frozen cup that canbe formed of a frozen beverage or other liquid such as water. A user candrink a beverage from the empty space in the cup.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,490 of Hanley shows a device with an inner cup forcreating a solid frozen beverage in an inner space, and an outer cupthat fits over the frozen inner cup to allow for a liquid beverage to bepoured and drank from an area around the exterior of the inner frozencore.

Various molds for frozen pops are also known. For example, U.S. Pat. No.2,591,261 teaches a mold having hollow compartments for making frozenpops and a lid which includes a spike for attaching a holding stick tothe frozen pop. The user is able to detach the lid (which keeps thebeverage from contamination), but still check to see if it is donethrough a side hole. The stick may be solid or a hollow tube. PREPARAprovides a plastic mold, sold as a Volcano Pop Set, for home use thatprepares a single pop on a handle. The mold provides a depressed areathat forms an open well for holding a beverage inside the well. Afterforming the pop, a user can pour the liquid into the open well. Varioussimilar pop molds for forming shaped pops are known for home andindustrial use.

In industrial frozen pop formation, pops are formed in industrial moldon a stick, typically a wood stick approved for food contact andpackaged in a paper or plastic sheath or wrapper. Frozen ice cream conesin tear away wrappers are also available pre-frozen for consumerpurchase.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0011106 A1 discloses devices thatenable frozen treats to stay frozen longer in warm conditions. A tray isprovided that may include a cooling gel, water or other liquid in thehollow of the tray to keep a popsicle colder longer in the tray so thatthe user has time to eat it before it melts. In certain embodiments,hollow walls to shape popsicles can include liquid for cooling insidethe open space defined within hollow mold walls to keep the popsiclescooler longer in the mold. A hollow core may also be provided on theinterior of a popsicle using an extension off of the popsicle stick soas to provide a frozen interior core stick to maintain the popsicle in afrozen condition longer than an ordinary popsicle. A drip tray may alsobe provided that has a hollow interior to assist in keeping the frozenpopsicle cold and resist melting longer. Liquids useful for freezing inthe hollow cores, cases and molds includes freezing gels and otheredible and non-edible liquids. Edible liquids may be sucked out of adrain/fill hole for the frozen core fluid after the popsicle is done andthe core liquid has finally melted to a liquid.

There is a continued need for innovative new that provide noveltybenefit or enable new and varied frozen treats for use in the food andbeverage industry.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables a user to enjoy treats of a single flavorand/or texture or treats of varied flavor combinations and textures. Ina preferred embodiment, it enables a user to form a frozen pop treathaving a liquid beverage and/or solid food core. Thus, the user cancombine separate flavors as well as separate textures such as a frozenouter pop with an inner drink, candy or combination of these items inthe core to provide a wide variety of beverage and treat combinations.The invention can be used for restaurants and bars, as well as otherestablishments, or for home use, to take advantage of the beveragetrends incorporating flavored spirits, liqueurs and the like with agrowing desire for multi-flavored and multi-textured treats.

The invention can provide a fun and easy way to enjoy a frozen pop witha liquor center core that may further have solid foods mixed into thefrozen pop prior to freezing and/or added in the center core space.Frozen pop treats having a non-alcoholic beverage-based center which arefun for children and adults can also within the scope of the invention.Various flavor combinations are possible and within the choice of theuser, and the invention can thus include and form new frozen dessertnovelty treats.

In one embodiment, the invention includes a mold for forming a frozenpop or molded treat, comprising a female mold body defining an interiormold space and having a first open end and a second end; a base having asupport surface with an opening extending longitudinally therethrough,the base configured to be positioned around or within the first end ofthe female mold body and to support by the support surface a frozen popor molded treat formed in the interior space of the female mold body;and a removable male insert mold body, wherein the male insert mold bodyis configured to be positioned within the female mold body in generallongitudinal alignment with the opening in the support surface of thebase.

The base may comprise a base connector piece. The mold may also furthercomprise a receptacle having a first end having an opening therein andan interior space configured for holding a liquid, the first end of thereceptacle also having a receptacle connector piece configured to matewith the base connector piece for connecting the base to the receptacle.The receptacle connector piece and the base connector piece arepreferably releasably connectable to each other.

The base may also comprises an upper projection defining a passagetherethrough, wherein the passage is in communication with the openingin the base.

The female mold body is preferably closed at the second end so as toreceive a liquid for freezing or for forming a solid treat within theinterior mold space of the female mold body.

The female mold body may comprise one or more of a polymer material, anelastomer material, a paper material, a cardboard material, a foilmaterial and combinations and laminates thereof. The female mold bodymaterial may comprise a disposable material. The female mold body mayalso be formed of a frangible material. The female mold body also maycomprise perforations for tearing and easy removal of the female moldbody after using the mold to form a frozen pop or a molded treat withinthe interior mold space of the female mold body. The support surface ofthe base may comprise wood and/or have a wood insert having an openingextending longitudinally therethrough and configured to be situated onthe support surface of the base so that the opening in the wood insertis in communication with the opening in the base and so that upon use ofthe mold, the wood insert contacts a frozen pop or molded treat formedwithin the interior mold space of the female mold body.

The base is preferably configured to sit within the interior mold spaceof the female mold body when the mold is assembled. The base may have atransverse cross-sectional configuration which is generally round. Thebase may also comprise a wall extending outwardly from the supportsurface so that the wall and the support surface together define areceiving area for holding a frozen pop or molded treat after using themold.

The removable male insert mold body is preferably sized so as to extendlongitudinally only partially along a length of the interior mold spacewithin the female mold body so that upon using the mold, a frozen pop ormolded treat is formed having a core space created by removal of themale insert mold body, the core space having an opening at a first endin communication with the opening in the support surface of the base andhaving a second closed end, wherein the core space is configured toreceive and hold a second liquid and/or a solid.

The removable male insert mold body may also be, in one embodiment, anelongated pin having a head at one end thereof for pushing in or pullingout the pin through the opening in the support surface.

The base may further comprise an upper projection defining a passagetherethrough, wherein the passage is configured to receive the maleinsert mold therethrough and the passage is in communication with theopening in the base. The upper projection may comprise a threadedexterior surface for receiving and engaging a molded treat. The base mayalso include a connector portion having a threaded exterior surface andthe mold may also comprise a drip catcher. The drip catcher may have aradially outwardly and upwardly extending interior surface that definesan interior space and defines an opening extending longitudinallythrough the interior surface, and the interior surface may have matingthreads around the opening that are configured to engage the threadedexterior surface of the base connector of the base, although the basecould also be configured in the reverse configuration wherein the dripcatcher is placed over the base and engages a threaded exterior surfaceon an optional upper projection so that the drip catcher couldoptionally sit atop the base instead of below it.

The invention also includes in one embodiment herein, a mold for afrozen pop or molded treat, comprising: a female mold body having a basesurface and a wall extending outwardly from the base surface, whereinthe base surface and the wall together define an interior mold space; aremovable male insert mold body configured to be inserted so as toextend at least partially through the interior mold space of the femalemold body and so that when the mold is used and the removable maleinsert mold body is removed from the female mold body, a core space isformed having an opening at a first end, a closed second end and beingcapable of receiving and holding a liquid and/or a solid.

The removable male insert mold body preferably has a longitudinallyextending portion and a cap portion on one end of the longitudinallyextending portion, the cap portion configured to mate with an edge ofthe wall of the female mold body on a side of the wall opposite the basesurface.

The cap portion is preferably made to be detachable from thelongitudinally extending portion so that in use, when the male insertmold body is removed to form the core space, the core space is filled atleast partially with a liquid and/or a solid, the cap portion isdetached from the longitudinally extending portion of the male insertmold body, and the cap portion can be reattached to the wall.

The base surface is preferably detachable from the wall of the femalemold portion. The cap portion may also further comprise an openingtherein configured to receive the longitudinally extending portion ofthe male insert body and after using the mold once the cap portion isreattached to the wall, a user can drink and/or eat through the openingin the cap portion.

The disclosure also includes an embodiment of a method of forming afrozen pop or a molded treat having a frozen or molded pop body and acore space inside the frozen or molded pop body having a liquid and/or asolid therein, comprising: providing a mold comprising a female moldbody defining an interior mold space and having a first open end and asecond end; a base having a support surface with an opening extendinglongitudinally therethrough, the base configured to be positioned aroundor within the first end of the mold body and to support by the supportsurface a frozen pop or a molded treat formed in the interior space ofthe female mold body; and a removable male insert mold body, wherein themale insert mold body is configured to be positioned within the femalemold body in longitudinal alignment with the opening in the supportsurface of the base; providing a first liquid or a moldable solid to theinterior mold space of the female mold body through the first open endthereof; positioning the base around or within the female mold, whereinthe first liquid has a volume sufficient to freeze in contact to thebase or the moldable solid has a volume sufficient to solidify incontact to the base; positioning the male insert body so that it passesthrough the opening in the base and extends at least partially along alength of the interior mold space of the female mold body; freezing thefirst liquid or solidifying the moldable solid in the female mold bodyto form a frozen pop body or a molded treat body, respectively; removingthe male insert body to form the core space within the frozen pop bodyor the molded body treat body, respectively; and providing a secondliquid and/or a solid to the core space in the frozen pop body or themolded treat body so as to be positioned within the core space throughthe opening in the support surface of the base.

In the method, the first liquid may be the same or different from thesecond liquid. At least one of the first liquid and the second liquidmay also comprise an alcoholic beverage.

The base of the mold may further comprise a detachable handle configuredto prevent the second liquid and/or the solid from leaking from thebase, and the method further comprises attaching the handle and removingthe female mold body after providing the second liquid and/or the solidto the core space. The first liquid may further comprise a solid mixedtherein. The first liquid may be layered with a solid food prior tofreezing.

Also within the scope of the disclosure herein is an embodiment of afrozen pop or molded treat, comprising: a frozen pop body or moldedtreat body formed from a first liquid or a moldable solid, respectively,the frozen pop body or the moldable solid having a first end and asecond end, the frozen pop body or the molded treat body each defining acore space, the core space having a first open end and a second closedend; a second liquid and/or a solid within the core space;a base havinga support surface in contact with the first end of the frozen pop bodyor the first end of the molded treat body and having an openingextending therethrough situated so as to be in fluid communication withthe first open end of the core space; and a detachable handle configuredto attach to the base and prevent leakage of the second liquid from thecore space.

In this embodiment, the first liquid may be different from the secondliquid. The device may further comprise a handle having a receptacledefining an interior space therein for receiving and holding the secondliquid. The first liquid may also further comprise a solid.

The first liquid may be layered with a solid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a mold according to anembodiment herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the mold according to theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a female mold body for use in theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view of a base having a wood insertfor use in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a removable male insert mold body foruse in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a handle formed as a receptacle for usein the mold embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a mold according to afurther embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a frozen pop formedaccording to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment of a moldaccording to the disclosure having a liquid incorporated in the handle;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the handle for use in the moldshown in the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the handle of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mold base for use in the embodimentof FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the base of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an optional drip catching insert foruse in the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the drip catching insert of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the drip catching insert of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19A is a front elevational view of an alternative male insert moldbody for use in the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 19B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the male insert moldbody of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20 is expanded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female mold bodyfor use in the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of a cake pop formed according to afurther embodiment of a mold herein having the male mold body removedand liquid in the handle; and

FIG. 23 is an expanded perspective view of the embodiment of the moldused for forming the cake pop of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly for assistance in understanding direction in the drawings and isnot intended to be limiting. The words “lower” and “upper,” “right” and“left,” “inner” and “outer,” “outward” and “inward,” and “top” and“bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference ismade. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned,derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring now to an embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1-6,an embodiment of a mold as described herein is shown along with anexample of a frozen treat formed from the mold shown in FIG. 8. The moldis for forming a frozen pop. As used herein, “frozen pop,” means any icetreat or other edible product shaped from freezing a liquid, such as abeverage, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Such treats are alsoreferred to as “popsicles,” however, such term is a well-known trademarkfor frozen ice treats on a stick. As used herein, “cake pop” is intendedto mean any solid formed bake good positioned on the handle of the moldand/or engaging its base, such as a cake material, a brownie materialand the like. A “molded treat” as used herein can be any food, snack,treat, or other edible item formed by molding whether by a frozen mold,heat molding by baking, microwaving or setting, and the like and shouldencompass all molds made herein unless otherwise specified to bedifferent.

The mold for forming a frozen pop, generally referred to herein as mold10, is shown in FIG. 1 and has a female mold body 12, a base 14 and aremovable male insert mold body 16. The female mold body 12 has anexterior surface 18 and an interior surface 20. The female mold bodyalso defines an interior mold space 22. The mold space 22 is shaped andpreferably conforms to the interior surface 20 of the female mold body12. The mold space 22 has a first open end 24 and a second end 26. Asshown, the first open end 24 is seated over the base 14. The female moldbody open end may be configured so as to fit and be positioned withinthe base or over and/or around the base depending on the desired molddesign, but as shown and preferred herein, the open end of the mold bodyfits over and around the base. As shown in FIG. 2, the open end 24 is incommunication with the mold space 22 and can receive a liquid to befrozen or a moldable solid to be formed. As used herein, a “liquid” forforming a frozen pop is any liquid that can solidify to form a frozensolid when subjected to a decrease in temperature. A “moldable solid”includes fully solid materials that are sufficiently moldable to beshaped when pushed into a container, semi-solid or thick or viscousliquids that can be shaped and solidify (either through heat, cold orcompression) and liquid materials that can be heated (instead of frozen)to form a molded solid (e.g., liquid cake or other batter that uponbaking or microwaving forms a molded solid or molded treat (cake,brownie, etc.) in situ.

Liquids that may be frozen include but are not limited to water, aflavored beverage, an alcoholic beverage, a flavored alcoholic beverage,and/or pre-mixed or mixed drinks (martinis, daiquiris, mojitos,cosmopolitans, sangria, liqueurs, wine, beer and many others withoutmeaning to be limiting). Typical non-alcoholic beverages include juice,water, flavored water, enhanced water and juices such as fitnesswater/juices, children's drinks (Hawaiian Punch®, Kool Aid®, etc.),carbonated and non-carbonated/flat sodas, seltzer or carbonated water,iced tea, lemonade, sports drinks (Gatorade® varieties), slushies, milkshakes, and various combinations of drinks. Any drink which may befrozen alone or when in combination with another liquid or solid may beused as a first liquid to be frozen herein. In addition, it is withinthe scope of the invention that candy, food, flavor crystals, whipcream, fudge, sprinkles, fruit, etc. can be frozen mixed in the liquidor layered with the frozen liquid (e.g., as is presently done in frozenfruit bars) or for an enhanced dessert experience.

The female mold body is preferably closed at its second end 26 so as toreceive a liquid for freezing or a moldable solid, etc. within theinterior mold space 22 of the female mold body 12. When being used toform a frozen pop, e.g., the mold end 26 would be positioned so as toface downwardly in order to retain the liquid and prevent spillage.Reference to a frozen pop is made to illustrate the invention herein,but is not intended to be limiting as the scope of the disclosure alsoincludes moldable solids as explained elsewhere herein. In a preferredembodiment, approximately 0.1 to about 5 ounces of a first liquid, andpreferably about 2 to about 4 ounces, and more preferably about 3 ouncesof liquid are used for forming a frozen pop body. As shown, the femalemold body example herein is of a conical shape having the tip of thecone at second end 26 and the base of the cone at open end 24. It shouldbe understood according to this disclosure, however, that the shape ofthe female mold body is not limited and may be of a variety ofconfigurations, including generally rectangular, square, oval,elliptical, rounded corner rectangular or square configurations,spherical, “rocket”-shaped, shot glass shaped, or shaped for marketingpurposes as a trademarked shape, a shape appealing to a child user, ashape of a character, etc.

For ease of manufacturing, the conical shape is being exemplified as itenables the mold former to use existing products, such as paper conesknown in the industry for supporting ice cream cones and the like, forquick and easy assembly, with a removable and disposable mold. Such amold can be formed of a disposable material such as plastic orrecyclable polymeric materials. In one preferred embodiment, herein thefemale mold body is formed of a frangible material such that it can betorn. It is also possible to form the female mold body of a frangiblematerial that is made to be frangible by providing perforations for easytearing and removal of the female mold body after using the mold to forma frozen pop within the interior mold space of the female mold body.Thus, once the frozen pop forms, the user can simply remove the femalemold body by tearing, and if appropriate, dispose of the torn femalemold body. An example of a perforated frangible female mold body 12 isshown in FIG. 3 wherein a perforated strip 28 having perforations 30 anda pull tab 32 is illustrated. Alternatively, instead of a perforation, apull-apart overlapped cone that separates at the overlap by a frangibleadhesive or simply a frangible material that easily tears without aperforation may be used as well.

The female mold body 12 may also be formed of one or more polymermaterial(s), elastomeric materials, tearable or non-tearable papermaterials, cardboard materials, foil materials and combinations andlaminates thereof. Non-frangible materials may be used for situations,such as home or restaurant use, wherein a user may want to re-use thesame female mold. Frangible materials, such as perforated paper and thelike would be more likely to be useful in commercial or industrialmanufacturing for economical and easy assembly suitable to massproduction and disposable use.

The female mold body 12 as shown has a length l₁ as shown in FIG. 3measured longitudinally along a central axis A-A of about 3 in. to about10 in., preferably about 4 in. to about 8 in. and most preferably about5 in. to about 6 in. The female mold body 12, in the example shown, w₁measured transversely across the first open end or in the longesttransverse dimension measured perpendicularly across the female moldbody, of about 0.5 in. to about 2 in. It is preferred that the femalemold body 12 is sufficiently long to accommodate the male insert bodywhile leaving a length l₂ as shown in FIG. 1 that leaves a frozen solidtop portion of a frozen pop when the mold is used. The length l₂ may bevaried depending on preference. In use, the female mold body 12 ispositioned upside down from what is shown in FIG. 1 to hold and freeze afirst liquid or solidify a moldable solid therein around the male insertmold 16. When the frozen pop or molded treat is formed and removed fromthe female mold body 12, it is then positioned upright in the directionin which the mold is situated and shown in FIG. 1 such that the portionof the frozen pop or molded treat formed in the female mold body inlength l₂ is on the top of the frozen pop or molded treat. The user caneat the top part of the frozen pop or molded treat, to expose the openarea of the pop or treat for drinking a second liquid or eating a secondsolid through the open area of the pop or treat.

The base 14 has a support surface 34 having a lower face 38 and an upperface 36. The base has an opening 40 extending longitudinallytherethrough. The opening enables a male mold insert body 16 to fitwithin the mold when in use, and to be removed when the frozen pop isformed to create an interior space for receiving a second liquid. Thebase 14 is configured to be positioned so as to fit around or within thefirst end 24 of the female mold body 12 and to support by way of thesupport surface 34 a frozen pop or molded treat formed in the interiorspace 22 of the female mold body 12. When the frozen pop or molded treatis formed, and the female mold body is removed, the solid frozen pop ormolded treat sits atop the upper face 36 of the support surface 34.Preferably, the base is about 1 in. to about 4 in. wide, and preferablyabout 1.25 in. to about 2 in. wide. If walls are provided, it is alsopreferably about 0.25 in. to about 1.5 in. in longitudinal height, andpreferably about 0.25 to about 0.5 in. in height. In a furtherembodiment, it is within the scope of the invention that the base may beslightly enlarged in width to accommodate overflow liquid from meltingof a frozen pop and/or formed so as to include a lip or holding ridge tocapture melting liquid for keeping user's hands and clothing clean.

In the embodiment shown, a removable male insert mold body 16 isprovided and may be of various shapes, but is preferably configured soas to fit through the opening 40 in the support surface 34 in the base14 in general longitudinal alignment. By “general longitudinalalignment” it is intended that the male insert mold body 16 ispreferably fully or substantially aligned with the opening, however,some movement or variability in the alignment may be off fromsubstantial or perfect alignment due to the nature of the mold material,the size of the insert and any flexiblity or angle desired in thefinished molded product with respect to the handle. The male insert moldbody may fit snugly or have space around it as shown, however, it shouldbe able to easily slide into and remain centrally located in a generallyupright or longitudinal position. Thus, the insert should fit by slidinginto the opening 40. The insert mold body is preferably wide enough tofit within the opening, but not so wide that it fits too snugly to beremoved by a user when the frozen pop is complete and the user needs toremove the male insert mold body to form the internal cavity in thefrozen pop.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the base 14 includes a base connectorpiece 42. The connector piece 42 in the base 14 is preferably configuredto work with a handle 44. The handle 44 may have a variety ofconfigurations, but is preferably attachable, detachable andre-attachable by way of a connector that mates with the base connectorpiece 42. Such a connector piece may be a threaded end, a snap fit end,a friction fit end, a quick connect end, and the like and is notintended to be limited herein. Preferably, the handle 44 is a receptacle46 in that it is solid but defines an interior space 48 configured tohold liquid. The receptacle 46 handle preferably has a first end 50having an opening 52 therein. As shown, the opening is as wide as thefirst end 50 of the receptacle, however, the opening 52 may be formed soas to be smaller than the end 50 of the receptacle such as a forcedopening through a top surface.

The receptacle also has a receptacle connector piece 54 which should beconfigured so as to mate with the base connector piece 42 for connectingthe base 14 to the receptacle 46. When assembled, the receptacle asshown locks by mating connections, which as shown are threads 55. Thethreads tighten to hold the receptacle to the base. The connector may besized differently than or the same as the opening in the base, however,preferably the base connector is sized to mate with and conform with thereceptacle connector. If mating threads are used, the connectors 42, 54may be of the 0.25 in. to about 0.75 in., preferably about 0.5 in. Itwill be understood to one skilled in the art, based on this disclosure,that a wide variety of fastening connection methods may be used, matingthreads being preferred, but snap fit, friction fit, connectors and thelike may also be employed within the scope of and without departing fromthe spirit of the invention.

After the frozen pop or molded treat is formed, the receptacle can bedetached if desired to introduce into the interior space 48 of thereceptacle a second liquid, which may be the same or different than thefirst liquid or moldable solid. Thus, any of the liquids or moldablesolids noted above may be used. In addition, the second liquid can be asolid food product or a combination of liquid and solid food products.For example, as noted above, the first liquid may have foods mixed intothe liquid or layered therein. For the second liquid, however, a solidfood may be substituted altogether. For example, within a frozen popbody, a user may fill the core of the frozen pop through the receptacleor through another filling source, with fruit, candies and otherflavored smaller food items or cut-up pieces, e.g., but not limited to,M&Ms®, Skittles®, PopRocks®, Nerds®, chocolate chips, sprinkles/jimmies,marshmallows, gummy bears, candy bar pieces, fudge, birthday cake,cookie dough and the like (which may also be included within the firstliquid in the female mold forming the frozen pop). Such materials or anyothers noted herein may be added with or without liquid to the corespace with or in place of a second liquid through a receptacle with theidea of introducing a new flavor combination. Likewise, a molded treatsuch as a cake pop or brownie pop may be formed with a core of a liquidfilling, viscous material or candies, etc. as noted above.

Examples of new flavor combinations could include a raspberry flavoredvodka frozen pop body with lemon-flavored candy center, a frozen orangejuice pop with a vodka core, a frozen strawberry daiquiri pop with agummy bear core, a key lime flavored martini frozen pop with a limeliqueur core, etc. The user, restaurant, bar, etc. can thus be creativeand use the molds to make a large variety of flavored treat and drinkcombinations. Home use is also contemplated wherein interesting drinkcombinations can be formed for adults (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) forhome entertaining and the like, or fun drink combinations can be madefor children as well.

The liquid can be independently filled by the end user, or the user canpurchase the mold, with pre-filled detachable receptacles. Preferably, areceptacle handle is capable of retaining up to about 1 to 3 ounces ofliquid, preferably about 0.5 to about 1.5 ounce of liquid for providinga taste or flavor of liquid through the frozen pop. In one embodiment asshown the receptacle is about 4 to about 6 in. in length measuredlongitudinally and about 0.25 to about 0.75 in. in transverse width.Thus the receptacle can be configured appropriately.

However, it should be understood that the receptacle can hold more orless than this amount if desired.

Preferably, the receptacle connector piece 54 and the base connectorpiece 42 are releasably connectable to each other for installing andremoving the receptacle.

The support surface may be formed of a variety of materials, such asmolded polymeric materials, including composites thereof, and otherfood-grade approved surfaces such as wood, e.g., the materials issuedfor making frozen pop sticks.

A wood insert 56 (also formed of a food-grade material) may also beprovided to the base 14. The wood insert should have an opening 58extending longitudinally therethrough preferably in line with theopening 40 in the base 14. The wood insert 56 is preferably configuredas a disc (or other shape conforming to the base) to be situated on thesupport surface 34, on an upper face 36 thereof, on the base 14. Thus,the opening 58 in the wood insert 56 is situated so as to be in fluidcommunication with the opening 40 in the base 14. Upon use of the mold,the wood insert 56 contacts a frozen pop formed within the interior moldspace of the female mold body. This enables a manufacturer to use asturdy and renewable base formed of a variety of materials having variedproperties, but to provide a reinforcing, food grade wood insert tocontact the frozen pop. The wood insert may be about 0.005 to about 0.15in. in diameter in a preferred embodiment in thickness as measuredlongitudinally.

As described above, it is preferred that the base is configured to sitwithin the interior mold space 22 of the female mold body 12 when themold is assembled. It may also be configured so that the base sitsaround the female mold body if desired.

The base preferably has a transverse cross-sectional configuration whichis generally round, but can be changed in shape to accommodate variouspreferred designs, characters, rocket-shaped base, etc.

The base preferably includes an upwardly and/or outwardly extending wall60. As shown, the wall extends outwardly from the support surface 34 soas to extend directly upwardly. However, the wall could lean outwardlyas well so as to be more “dish-like”. The wall 60 and the supportsurface 34 together define a receiving area 62 for holding a frozen popafter using the mold. Thus, the wall acts to hold the bottom portion ofa frozen pop with enhanced stability. It should be understood, however,that a wall may be omitted in certain embodiments and/or shapeddifferently than as shown. Further, if provided, the wall 60 shouldconform along a perimeter edge thereof to the shape of the base supportsurface 34. The wall may be formed of a variety of materials as can thesupport surface. As shown, the wall and support surface are a singleunitary piece formed of a molded thermoplastic, such as food gradepolyethylene, cardboard, silicone, and various similar materials,including food grade wood, laminated food packaging materials and thelike. The wall and the support surface of the base may also be separateand moveable with respect to each other (e.g., forming the wall as aslidable retaining ring shaped to slide up and around the base supportsurface with a conforming shape) or a single formed item, but frangibleso that the wall can be, e.g., connected by a perforated edge to thebase for easily removing the wall after formation of a frozen pop.

The removable male insert mold body 16 is sized in length l₃ so as toextend longitudinally only partially along the length l₁ of the femalemold body 12 in the interior mold space 22 thereof. Upon using the mold,as noted above, a frozen pop or molded treat will be formed having acore space created by removal of the male insert mold body 16. The corespace will have an opening at one end of the space in communication withthe opening 40 in the support surface 34 of the base 14, and if used, incommunication with the opening 58 in any insert 56 as shown in FIG. 4.The core space created by removing the male insert mold body 16 wouldhave a closed second end. Thus, the core space would be configured toreceive and hold a liquid which can be introduced through the openings40 and/or 58, and if an open receptacle handle is used, through theinterior space 48 of the receptacle 46 through the opening 52 in thefirst end 50 thereof.

The removable male insert mold body as shown and in the presentembodiment has an elongated body piece 64, a head or gripping end 66 onone end 68 thereof and a length l₃ as noted above. Such a head isoptional in other embodiments. The length of the male insert mold bodyis preferably sized to leave a suitable length l₂ between the insert end70 of the male insert mold body and the end 26 of the female mold body12 of about 0.5 in. to about 4 inch., and more preferably about 1 in. toabout 2 in., however, it should be understood based on this disclosurethat the length l₂ may be varied by preference depending on the shape ofthe mold and the amount of solid frozen pop desired at the top eatingend for a given design configuration. The overall length l₃ of the maleinsert mold body 16 can be extended to provide additional length toenhance the length of the portion that extends out of the base 14 whenthe male insert mold is positioned within the female mold body. Theportion 72 of the male insert mold body 16 having the head or grippingend 66 thereon that extends out of the opening 40 in the base 14 when inuse to form a frozen pop, can have a varied length. It should be longenough for a user to grip and slide the male inert mold 16 in and out ofthe opening 40 in the base, but that length balanced against keeping thesize of the piece and attendant cost minimized as well as to keep theoverall size of the mold 10 reasonable for storage purposes in use in afreezer. Preferably the overall length l₃ of the male insert mold bodyis about 2 in. to about 9 in., more preferably about 3 in. to about 6in., and most preferably about 3 in. to about 5 in.

The width W₂ of the male insert mold body 16 measured transverselyacross the center of the body portion 64 thereof is sized and configuredto provide the shape of an inner core space in a frozen pop formed bythe mold. In the embodiment shown, the core space formed would be anarrow, elongated core through the longitudinal center of the frozen popor molded treat, extending partially through the pop or treat, so as toreceive a liquid beverage or other filler therein. The shape could bechanged depending on desired design, however, it should be understoodbased on this disclosure that the frozen pop or molded treat needsenough solid formed around the core space through which a liquidbeverage or other filler may be received to retain its structuralintegrity and not too readily collapse while being eaten.

The male insert mold body is preferably formed of a material which doesnot stick to or bond to a frozen liquid or moldable solid when thefrozen pop body or molded treat is formed and which retains itsstructural integrity throughout the filling and freezing process.Suitable materials includes metals and alloys (such as aluminum,stainless steel, etc.) and certain polymers, such as silicone, hardmolded plastics acceptable for food grade use such as certain types ofolefins, styrenics and carbonates as well as food grade wood orcardboard.

As illustrated in the drawings, the removable male insert mold body 16is shown as an elongated pin for a body 64 and a head 66 at one end 68thereof, wherein the head can be used for pushing in or pulling out thepin body 64 through the opening 40 in the support surface 34 of the base14. The head as shown is generally flat for ease of manufacture,although round, square or other aesthetic designs may be used to providea pulling and pushing function. In addition, if an open receptacle suchas receptacle 46 is employed, the head 66 is preferably sized so as tofit within the interior space 48 of the receptacle as shown in FIG. 1.In a preferred embodiment the head is about 0.25 in. to about 0.75 in.,and more preferably about 0.5 in. Even though the male insert mold body16 will be removed after use, for assembly when placed in a freezer forformation of the pop, it may be desirable to place the handle (orreceptacle as shown) on the base using the connectors 42, 54. However,this is optional and the handle can be aesthetically configured formarketing or user appeal purposes.

An alternative mold for a frozen pop is also encompassed herein, whichis more of a drinkable dessert cup configuration. With reference to FIG.7, a mold 110 is shown having a female mold body 112 shaped more in asmall cup or dessert cup configuration, although the size may vary. Themold 110 has a base surface 111. The female mold body 112 has an outerwall 113 which has an exterior surface 118 sized for such a useextending outwardly from an upper flat surface 113. The flat surface 113and the wall 118 together define an interior mold space 122. The wall118 and base 113 may be formed as a unitary body or as separatedetachable pieces, the latter being preferred as a lid feature can beprovided by making a flat surface which can be part of the mold body butdouble as a lid 115 and a connecting lip 117 (or similar feature forattaching a lid to a cup) can be provided. The lid 115 can be the bottomof the cup mold when filled with liquid for freezing, and then can beremoved for eating the frozen solid material within the mold afterforming a frozen pop within the mold. The lid and/or mold can be formedof a permanent material so as to be reuseable or formed of frangiblematerials in the manner used in small ice cream dessert cups.

A removable male insert mold body 116 is configured to be inserted atleast partially longitudinally into the interior space 122 of the femalemold body 112. The length can be adjusted as noted above to provide fora variety of cup-type or dessert cup molds and/or to leave a varyingamount of solid frozen top or solid molded treat over liquid or fillerwhen the frozen pop or molded treat is made and the mold inverted foreating. The male insert mold body 116 is formed so as to extend at leastpartially through the interior mold space 122 of the female mold body.When the mold is used and the removable male insert mold body is removedfrom the interior mold space 122 of the female mold body 112, a corespace is formed as noted above that has an opening at a first end, aclosed second end and being capable of receiving and holding a liquid.The core space takes the shape of the removed male insert mold body 116.

In one embodiment as shown, the removable male insert mold body 116 hasa longitudinally extending portion 119 that may have a handle (notshown) or be formed with a cap portion 121 as an additional supportsurface as shown in FIG. 7. The cap portion 121 is over one end 123 ofthe longitudinally extending portion 119 of the male insert mold body116 by end 151 of the cap portion 121 and, is preferably configured tomate with an edge 125 of the wall 118 of the female mold body 112 on theside of the wall 118 opposite the flat surface 113 which, as notedabove, may be unitary with the wall or a removable lid 113. The maleinsert portion 116 may have a solid removable body portion 146 that canbe unitary with or detachable from a cap portion 121 at cap portion end142. The removable body portion 146 of the male insert mold may also beformed so as to be open on end 150 for introduction of a liquid whichmay be either the same or different form the liquid used to form a solidfrozen dessert within the female mold portion. The cap portion 121acting as a support surface can have an opening 140 therethrough forintroducing the longitudinally extending portion 119, if not attached,and/or for introducing liquid either through the opening 140 or throughan attachable and detachable receptacle feature such as that shown inFIG. 1 with respect to the embodiment shown therein which can receiveliquid in an interior space and may have a wood insert 156 as with FIG.1.

The cap portion 121 as a support surface may be formed so as to bedetachable from the longitudinally extending portion so that in use,when the male insert mold body is removed to form the core space, thecore space may be filled at least partially with a liquid, and the capportion can be detached from the longitudinally extending portion of themale insert mold body, and the cap portion can be reattached to thewall. However, in use, a cap or cap portion should be reattached oncethe core space is filled at least partially or fully with liquid orother filler, to form a lower snap-on cap such as a cover lid or snap inspace where the male insert mold is removed.

The cap portion 121 of the base support 111 preferably also includes anopening 140 therein configured to receive the longitudinally extendingportion 119 of the male insert body 116 into space 148 and after usingthe mold 110, once the cap portion 121 is reattached to the wall, a usercan introduce liquid or filler, then close the opening 140 by using aflat and solid, but removal cap portion or by providing a separateinsert plug (not shown) to place inside and seal the opening. In use,after making a frozen solid treat inside the mold 110, the flatsurface/lid 115 is on the bottom of the structure and the mold is filledwith a liquid such as a flavored beverage. The male insert mold portion,by way of the longitudinally extending portion 119 is positioned insidethe mold space 122 (either before or after introducing the liquid). Thecap portion can then be placed over the mold as well (and would beautomatically if attached to the longitudinally extending portion).

After freezing, the male insert mold is removed, including both the capportion and the longitudinally extending portion to leave a core space.The core space may be filled with liquid. The core space can be filledby an attachable or non-attachable receptacle (as shown in the FIG. 1embodiment). The opening then is preferably closed by an attachablereceptacle that allows liquid to flow into the core space, or morepreferably by a replaceable cap such as an additional lid that fits overthe cap or a cap portion having a plug or insert. In yet a furtherembodiment, the lid 115 can be pulled off the top of the frozen solid ormolded treat portion and placed over as a support surface or in place ofadditional support surface 121. The solid top portion that is open isthen eaten to reveal a solid portion having a core space filled with aliquid for drinking. In a dessert cup embodiment, it is also possiblethat instead of a liquid such as a beverage that a flavored cream, icecream, whipped cream or the like is introduced in the core space.

With reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, and FIG. 8, a method offorming a frozen pop or molded treat is now described herein. The frozenpop or molded treat to be formed is shown in FIG. 8, in an examplegenerally referred to as frozen pop 31 which is used herein forillustration purposes. The frozen pop 31 has a frozen pop body 33 and acore space 41 inside the frozen pop body 33. However, it will beunderstood, based on this disclosure, that a similarly formed moldedtreat may also be formed using this method and having the sameconfiguration but formed of different materials. After formation, thefrozen pop 31 preferably has a liquid 35 in the receptacle handle asshown, or if a solid handle is used, the liquid may be within the corespace 41. A solid filler may also be provided. In the method to form thefrozen pop, a mold is provided, which may be any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, including a mold such as mold 10 having a female moldbody 12 defining an interior mold space 22 and having a first open end24 and a second end 26. The mold preferably also has a base 14 which hasa support surface 34. The support surface of the base may have anopening 40 extending longitudinally therethrough as describedhereinabove in further detail. The base is preferably configured to siton or within the first end of the frozen pop mold and to support by thesupport surface a frozen pop formed in the interior space of the femalemold body.

The mold preferably also includes a removable male insert mold body suchas mold body 16 as described above which is preferably configured to fitthrough the opening 40 in the support surface in the base 14. In thepreferred method, a first liquid that forms frozen pop body 33 isprovide to the interior mold space 22 of the female mold body 12 throughthe first end 24 thereof.

The base 14 is positioned on or within the female mold 12, andpreferably within the mold so as to retain the liquid and keep outcontaminants. The first liquid is preferably added in a volumesufficient so that when it freezes, it will contact the support surfaceof the base 14.

The male insert body is positioned such that it passes through theopening in the base and extends at least partially along a length of theinterior mold space of the female mold body. The first liquid is thenfrozen in the female mold body to form the frozen pop body 33. The maleinsert body 16 is then removed after freezing to form the core space 41within the frozen pop body 33. A second liquid 35 or solid filler, whichcan be the same or different from the first liquid that forms the frozenpop body 33, is then available for introduction into the core space inthe frozen pop body 33 through the opening 40 in the base 14. At leastone of the first liquid and the second liquid may be an alcoholicbeverage for providing unique flavor experiences. However, both liquidsmay be non-alcoholic as well for everyday use or for providing anattractive drink alternative to children.

If the base 14 of the mold further includes a detachable handle, it ispreferred that the handle is configured to prevent the second liquidfrom leaking from the base. If so, then in the method, the handle may beattached to the female mold body to introduce the liquid to the corespace and left on or detached after drinking the liquid. The handle, oras shown in FIG. 8, a receptacle, can be attached by way of the base forproviding the second liquid 35 to the core space, for example byattaching and detaching a base connector piece and a receptacleconnector piece. If using a receptacle, the second liquid 35 may beprovided through the interior space 48 of the receptacle.

The frozen pop is preferably positioned so that the second liquid fromthe receptacle is able to flow from the interior space 48 of thereceptacle to the core space 41 of the frozen pop 31. The female moldbody is then removed for eating the frozen pop. If formed of a frangiblematerial, the female mold body can be simply torn, for example, along aperforation. In use, the user eating the frozen pop 31 eats the topsolid portion 39 of the frozen pop 31, exposing the inside of the core41. Liquid from the handle or another source can then be introduced intothe core 41 and drank through the frozen pop so as to combine theseflavors. The ice pop body can also absorb some of the liquid from thereceptacle to provide a unique flavor combination. Similarly, a moldedtreat such as a cake cup can absorb some of a liquified filler for amulti-textural dessert experience.

The invention also includes the frozen pop or molded treat as describedabove and as shown as an example of a frozen pop in FIG. 8. In additionto liquids, dessert applications, combination drinks and the like, otheruses can be conceived of from the present invention, including formationof a frozen drink treat through which children can take medication ifotherwise not amenable to do so because of the taste of the medicine.

A further alternative embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS.9-21, wherein like elements have like reference numbers throughout. Themold in this embodiment, mold 1010 is shown in assembled form in FIG. 9with a liquid in the handle thereof for illustration purposes, it beingunderstood that a solid filler may also be within the receptacle asdiscussed with embodiment 10 and 110. The mold may form frozen pops ormolded treats such as those shown in FIG. 8 but using a slightlydifferent mold design. The differences are highlighted herein, and wherenot otherwise mentioned, would be the same as in prior embodiment l0.Themold 1010 has a female mold body 1012, a base 1014 and a removable maleinsert mold body 1016. The female mold body 1012 has an exterior surface1018 and an interior surface 1020 (see FIGS. 9, 20 and 21). The femalemold body also defines an interior mold space 1022. The mold space 1022is shaped and preferably conforms to the interior surface 1020 of thefemale mold body 1012. The mold space 1022 has a first open end 1024 anda second end 1026. As shown, the first open end 1024 is seated over thebase 1014. The female mold body open end may be configured so as to fitand be positioned within the base or over and/or around the basedepending on the desired mold design, but as shown and preferred herein,the open end of the mold body fits over and around the base. As shown inFIGS. 9, 20-21, the open end 1024 is in communication with the moldspace 1022 and can receive a liquid to be frozen or a moldable solid tobe formed. The liquids and/or solids used as the same as described abovewith respect to embodiments 10, 110.

The female mold body 1012 is preferably closed at its second end 1026 soas to receive a liquid for freezing or a moldable solid, etc. within theinterior mold space 1022 of the female mold body 1012. When being usedto form a frozen pop, e.g., the mold end 1026 would be positioned so asto face downwardly in order to retain the liquid and prevent spillage.The shape and size and dimensions may be varied as discussed above withrespect to embodiment 10 and may be formed of the same materials notedabove. As shown, it is formed of a frangible, perforated material as anillustration. Once the frozen pop or molded treat forms, the user cansimply remove the female mold body by tearing, and if appropriate,dispose of the torn female mold body. An example of a perforatedfrangible female mold body 1012 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 20-21, wherein aperforated strip 1028 having perforations 1030 and a pull tab 1032 isillustrated. Alternatively, instead of a perforation, a pull-apartoverlapped cone that separates at the overlap by a frangible adhesive orsimply a frangible material that easily tears without a perforation maybe used as well.

The female mold body 1012 as shown has a length l₁ as shown in FIG. 9measured longitudinally along a central axis A′-A′ and a width, w₁measured transversely across the first open end or in the longesttransverse dimension measured perpendicularly across the female moldbody as described above with respect to embodiment 10. It is preferredthat the female mold body 1012 is sufficiently long to accommodate themale insert body while leaving a length l₂ as shown in FIG. 9 thatleaves a frozen solid or molded treat solid top portion of a frozen popor molded treat, respectively when the mold is used. As with embodiment10, the length l₂ in embodiment 1012 may be varied depending onpreference. In use, the female mold body 1012 is positioned upside downfrom what is shown in FIG. 9 to hold and freeze a first liquid orsolidify a moldable solid therein around the male insert mold 1016. Whenthe frozen pop or molded treat is formed and removed from the femalemold body 1012, it is then positioned upright in the direction in whichthe mold is situated and shown in FIG. 9 such that the portion of thefrozen pop or molded treat formed in the female mold body in length l₂is on the top of the frozen pop or molded treat. The user can eat thetop part of the frozen pop or molded treat, to expose the open area ofthe pop or treat for drinking a second liquid or eating a second solidthrough the open area of the pop or treat.

The base 1014 has a support surface 1034 having a lower face 1038 and anupper face 36. The base has an opening 1040 extending longitudinallytherethrough. The opening enables a male mold insert body 1016 to fitwithin the mold when in use, and to be removed when the frozen pop ormolded treat is formed to create an interior space for receiving asecond liquid. The base 1014 is configured to be positioned so as to fitaround or within the first end 1024 of the female mold body 1012 and tosupport by way of the support surface 1034 a frozen pop or molded treatformed in the interior space 1022 of the female mold body 1012. When thefrozen pop or molded treat is formed, and the female mold body isremoved, the solid frozen pop or molded treat sits atop the upper face1036 of the support surface 1034. The base may have general dimensionsin height and width as noted above with respect to embodiment 10.

The base has an optional upper projection 1059 having a threadedexterior surface 1057. The upper projection has a passage incommunication with and that is part of the opening 1040 in the base. Theinterior surface 1039 of the upper projection 1059 may be configured toreceive and hold upright the male insert mold 1016. As shown, maleinsert mold 1016 should be able to fit through the opening 1040 andextend slightly outside the lower base connector piece 1042. Thisextension helps align the male insert mold 1016. Further, the threadedexterior surface 1057 (which is optional) may be used with an optionaldrip catcher 1072.

The drip catcher 1072 (see FIGS. 9, 16-18 and 20) has a fanned-out ordished appearance as shown, but may also have a more directly upwardlyand perpendicularly extending wall if desired. The drip catcher as shownhas an interior surface 1076 which is curved downwardly and may pan outas shown slightly flatter at the bottom to hold liquid that drips from afrozen pop, for example, when in use. The drip catcher interior surface1076 defines an opening 1078 extending longitudinally therethrough thatmay, for example, have mating threads 1074 configured to engage thethreaded exterior surface 1057 of the upper projection 1059 of the base1014. While threaded surfaces or shown, friction fit, snap fit orgnurled surfaces, stops and similar mechanisms may also be used to seatthe drip catcher. The opening 1078 is configured to fit around andcontact and preferably engage, such as by mating threads, the exteriorsurface 1057 of the upper projection 1059 of the base 1014. This featureis optional and can be separate from or an integral and unitaryextension of the base as described above with reference to embodiment10. The lower surface 1080 preferably bends upwards and radially outwardto support the drip catching upper interior surface 1076 when the useris eating a frozen pop formed from the mold 1010.

The male insert mold body 1016 should still be able to easily slide intoand remain centrally located in a generally upright or longitudinalposition and aligned when extending through the opening 1040 in the base1014. The male insert mold body 1016 shown in this embodiment does nothave a head as in embodiment 10, and is hollow instead of solid.However, it should be understood that these are a variation and that themale insert body 1016 can also be made to be solid and/or have a head.

The base 1014 includes a base connector piece 1042. The connector piece1042 in the base 1014 is preferably configured to work with handle 1044.Handle 1044 as with handle 44 in embodiment 10 may have a variety ofconfigurations, but is preferably attachable, detachable andre-attachable by way of a connector that mates with the base connectorpiece 1042. Such a connector piece may be a threaded end, a snap fitend, a friction fit end, a quick connect end, and the like and is notintended to be limited herein. In the present embodiment, the handle1044 is also a receptacle 1046 in that it is solid but defines aninterior space 1048 configured to hold liquid or a solid filler as withembodiment 10. The receptacle 1046 handle preferably has a first end1050 having an opening 1052 therein. As shown, the opening is as wide asthe first end 1050 of the receptacle, however, the opening 52 may beformed so as to be smaller than the end 1050 of the receptacle such as aforced opening through a top surface.

The receptacle also has a receptacle connector piece 1054 which shouldpreferably be configured so as to mate with the base connector piece1042 for connecting the base 1014 to the receptacle 1046. Whenassembled, the receptacle as shown locks by mating connections, which asshown are threads 1049. Unlike embodiment 10, however embodiment 1010illustrates use of external threads 1049 on the connector piece 1054 ofthe receptacle 1046 which mate with threads 1041 on the interior surface1039 of the base in the area of the base connector piece 1042. Thethreads tighten to hold the receptacle to the base. It will beunderstood to one skilled in the art, based on this disclosure, that awide variety of fastening connection methods may be used, mating threadsbeing preferred, but snap fit, friction fit, connectors and the like mayalso be employed within the scope of and without departing from thespirit of the invention.

After the frozen pop or molded treat is formed, the receptacle can bedetached if desired to introduce into the interior space 1048 of thereceptacle a second liquid or a solid filler, which may be the same ordifferent than the first liquid or moldable solid. Thus, any of theliquids or moldable solids noted above may be used. In addition, thesecond liquid can be a solid food product or a combination of liquid andsolid food products. For example, as noted above, the first liquid mayhave foods mixed into the liquid or layered therein. For the secondliquid, however, a solid food may be substituted altogether. Any ofthose liquids or solids mentioned above may be used.

Preferably, the receptacle connector piece 1054 and the base connectorpiece 1042 are releasably connectable to each other for installing andremoving the receptacle.

The support surface may be formed of a variety of materials, such asmolded polymeric materials, including composites thereof, and otherfood-grade approved surfaces such as wood, e.g., the materials issuedfor making frozen pop sticks. As with embodiment 10, a wood insert 1056(also formed of a food-grade material) may also be provided to the base1014. The wood insert should have an opening 1058 extendinglongitudinally therethrough preferably in line with the opening 1040 inthe base 1014. The wood insert 1056 is preferably configured as a disc(or other shape conforming to the base) to be situated on the supportsurface 1034, on an upper face 1036 thereof, on the base 1014. Thus, theopening 1058 in the wood insert 1056 is situated so as to be in fluidcommunication with the opening 1040 in the base 1014. Upon use of themold, the wood insert 1056 contacts a frozen pop or molded treat formedwithin the interior mold space of the female mold body.

As described above, it is preferred that the base is configured to sitwithin the interior mold space 1022 of the female mold body 1012 whenthe mold is assembled. It may also be configured so that the base sitsaround the female mold body if desired.

The base 1014 preferably includes an upwardly and/or outwardly extendingwall 1060. As shown, the wall extends outwardly from the support surface1034 so as to extend directly upwardly. However, the wall could leanoutwardly as well so as to be more “dish-like”. The wall 1060 and thesupport surface 1034 together define a receiving area 1062 for holding afrozen pop or molded treat after using the mold. Thus, the wall acts tohold the bottom portion of a frozen pop or treat with enhancedstability. It should be understood, however, that a wall may be omittedin certain embodiments and/or shaped differently than as shown. Further,if provided, the wall 1060 should conform along a perimeter edge thereofto the shape of the base support surface 1034. The wall may be formed ofa variety of materials as can the support surface. As shown, the walland support surface are a single unitary piece formed of a moldedthermoplastic, such as food grade polyethylene, cardboard, silicone, andvarious similar materials, including food grade wood, laminated foodpackaging materials and the like. The wall and the support surface ofthe base may also be separate and moveable with respect to each other(e.g., forming the wall as a slidable retaining ring shaped to slide upand around the base support surface with a conforming shape) or a singleformed item, but frangible so that the wall can be, e.g., connected by aperforated edge to the base for easily removing the wall after formationof a frozen pop.

The removable male insert mold body as shown and in the presentembodiment has an elongated body piece 1064, a first end 1068 and aninsert end 1070 and preferably has dimensions consistent with thosenoted above for male insert 16 in embodiment 10, with the exception thatit may have a blunt insert end as shown, omit a head if desired and alsobe hollow as shown or solid. The size may be varied by preferencedepending on the shape of the mold and the amount of solid frozen pop ormolded treat desired at the top eating end for a given designconfiguration and taking into account the factors noted above withrespect to embodiment 10. The male insert mold body is preferably formedof a material such a those noted above and which does not stick to orbond to a frozen liquid or moldable solid when the frozen pop body ormolded treat is formed and retains its structural integrity throughoutthe filling and freezing process.

As illustrated in the drawings, the removable male insert mold body 1016is shown as an elongated pin for a body 1064 and end 1068 can be pushedin or pulled out through the opening 1040 in the support surface 1034 ofthe base 1014. The head as shown is generally flat and blunt, althoughround, square or other aesthetic designs may be used to provide apulling and pushing function. In addition, if an open receptacle such asreceptacle 1046 is employed, the end 1068 is preferably sized so as tofit within the interior space 1048 of the receptacle as with embodiment10 although without the optional head.

A further alternative embodiment of the invention which is a furthervariant of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-21 is shown in FIGS. 22-23, whereinlike elements have like reference numbers throughout. The mold in thisembodiment, mold 2010 is shown having its parts in an expanded view inFIG. 23. FIG. 22 shows a cake pop formed using the mold of FIG. 23assembled, but the female mold body, which is optional in thisembodiment, is removed. As shown, liquid is in the handle forillustration purposes, it being understood that a solid filler may alsobe within the receptacle as discussed with respect to embodiments 10,110 and 1010. While a frozen treat may be formed using the embodiment2010, it is also easy to use to make solid treats as described withrespect to FIGS. 22-23. The primary components of the handle and thebase are the same as those in embodiment 1010, and may be varied in thesame manner as those components as described above. In this embodiment,if a cake pop or other solid confection is being formed, a drip catchercan be used if included for versatility of use (i.e., to also makefrozen meltable treats), but is also optional when solid treats areformed that do not leak or present dripping issues. Other differences ofthe embodiment 2010 are highlighted herein, and where not otherwisementioned, the components and respective description would be the sameas described above for embodiments 10 and 1010.

The mold 2010 has a female mold body 2012, a base 2014 and a removablemale insert mold body 2016. The female mold body 2012 has an exteriorsurface 2018 and an interior surface 2020 (see FIGS. 23). The femalemold body also defines an interior mold space 2022. The mold space 2022is shaped and preferably conforms to the interior surface 2020 of thefemale mold body 2012. The mold space 2022 has a first open end 2024 anda second end 2026. As shown, the first open end 2024 is configured sothat it would seat over the base 2014. The female mold body 2012 can beseparate from the overall mold 2010 as assembled or part of the overallassembly. The mold is preferably made of a heat-resistant substance ifforming a cake or other baked confection. It is also contemplated thatconfections that merely harden without baking could be made, in whichcase the material may be more varied (as described above with respect tothe other embodiments). If freezing is contemplated, materials suitablefor low temperature may be used. All female mold body materials arepreferably suitable for contact with food (food grade). Baking moldmaterials may include a silicone, metal, tempered glass and the like. Inan mold such as mold 2010 as with other embodiments, it is within thescope of the invention also to provide the handle and base portion ofthe assembly as a separate but interchangeable element with variousfemale mold bodies, so that various pop shapes may be formed. Forexamples, multiple molds of different materials for different uses(baking, freezing, etc.) with the same or different shapes may beprovided in a kit with one or more compatible handles and basecomponents to form multiple confections. Such materials may be soldindependently or in kit form. Further, trays, mixing tools,instructions, and other accessories (food or drink packets, foodfillers, food mixes, drink mixes, drink or pop recipes, etc.) may alsobe included in a kit using materials as are well known in the cookingand baking arts.

The female mold body 2012 open end 2024 may be configured so as to fitand be positioned within the base 2014 or over and/or around the basedepending on the desired mold design, but as shown and preferredelsewhere herein, such open end of a female mold body preferably fitsover and around the base.

The female mold body 2012 is preferably closed at its second end 2026 soas to receive a liquid mix, liquid for freezing or other bakeable orhardenable material within the interior mold space 2022 of the femalemold body 2012. When being used to form a cake pop, e.g., the mold end2026 would be positioned so as to face downwardly in order to retain themix or other bakeable material to prevent spillage, including whilebaking in a traditional or convection oven or a microwave oven. Theshape and size and dimensions may be varied as discussed above withrespect to embodiments 10 and 1010. Once a cake pop or other moldedtreat forms, the user removes the female mold body. In this case, forbaking, while a bakeable mold (like a cupcake tin) may be used, abakeable solid material or elastomeric material (baking silicone) ispreferred. When the cake or other molded treat (hard candy mold, gummycandy mold, cake mold, cupcake mold, etc.) is formed, the mold isremoved. A solid treat can be formed using the female mold body and malemold body independently of the remaining mold assembly components, andwhen formed, the male mold body would be removed from the treat and theformed treat would be removed from the female mold body, preferably in anon-stick manner, and the solid food treat having a core therein couldthen be subsequently mounted on the base and handle assembly. However,it would be understood, based on this disclosure, that for frozen treatsand also for solid treats, a suitable material which may be frangible ornon-frangible may be used and the whole assembly could be formed ofmaterials suitable to allow all parts to be baked, frozen, etc. withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The female mold body 2012 has dimensions like those of the female moldbody 1012 of embodiment 1010. It is preferred that the female mold body2012 is sufficiently long to accommodate the male insert body whileleaving a length 1 ₂ as shown in FIG. 22 that leaves a solid treat topportion of a frozen pop or molded treat, respectively when the mold isused. Once the cake pop or other solid or molded treat is formed andremoved from the female mold body 2012, it may be turned so that thecore 2041 formed in the resulting formed cake treat 2037 is positionedto face an upper projection 2059 on the base 2014 of the assembly. Theupper projection 2059 may be provided with a threaded exterior surface2057 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The threads (or another alternativegripping surface) may be used to push into the solid cake treat andpushed or twisted into the core 2041 of the treat to engage the formedmaterial in the molded cake 2037. The user can then eat the top part ofthe cake pop or otehr molded treat, and expose the open area 2045 of thecore 2041 of the cake pop or treat which would allow for the user todrink a second liquid or eat a second solid through the open core 2041of the molded cake pop or molded treat, for example, the user coulddrink milk through a molded brownie pop, a liquid icing through a cakepop or one type of small candy (like a mini M&M® through a gummy candypop (such as a large gummy bear or hard candy shaped-character).

The base 2014 has a support surface 2034 having a lower face 2038 and anupper face 2036. The base 2014 has an opening 2040 extendinglongitudinally therethrough. The opening enables a male mold insert body2016 to fit within the mold if the base is used when forming the moldedcake pop, or allows simply for liquid or solid filler to pass throughthe base 2014 to the core 2041 when the mold is fully assembled. Thebase 2014 is configured to be positioned so as to fit around or withinthe first end 2024 of the female mold body 2012, but may also beconfigured simply to be able to hold a cake pop or other solid or moldedtreat after it is separately formed and positioned on the base 2014 forconsumption. The base 2014 supports by way of the support surface 2034 acake pop or other molded treat formed in the interior space 2022 of thefemale mold body 2012 once positioned on the base for eating.

When the cake pop or molded treat is formed, and the cake or moldedtreat has been removed from the female mold body, the cake or moldedtreat is positioned to sit atop the upper face 2036 of the supportsurface 2034. The base may have general dimensions in height and widthas noted above with respect to embodiments 10 or 1010.

The base has an optional upper projection 2059 having a threadedexterior surface 2057. The upper projection also has a passage incommunication with and that is part of the opening 2040 extendingthrough the base (see the same component as shown in embodiment 1010). Adrip catcher 2072 which is as described with respect to embodiment 1010is also shown and may be used for more messy cake pop or other moldedpop treats or when a liquid filling is used, but it should be understoodthat it is optional and may also be used only for additional support inthe mold or for versatility. In all other respects, the drip catcher2072 is as described with respect to embodiment 1010.

The male insert mold body 2016 should still be able to easily slide intoand remain centrally located in a generally upright or longitudinalposition and aligned when extending into the female mold body 2012during a baking or hardening process. If the base is positioned on thefemale mold body 2012 during formation of the treat, the male insertmold body 2016 should also be able to fit through the opening 2040 inthe base 2014. The male insert mold body 2016 shown in this embodimentdoes not require a head as in embodiment 10, and is hollow instead ofsolid. However, it should be understood that these are a variation andthat the male insert body 2016 can also be made to be solid and/or havea head.

The base 2014 includes a base connector piece 2042. The connector piece2042 in the base 2014 is preferably configured to work with handle 2044.Handle 2044 as with handle 44, 1044 in embodiments 10, 1010,respectively, may have a variety of configurations, but is preferablyattachable, detachable and re-attachable by way of a connector thatmates with the base connector piece 2042. Such a connector piece may bea threaded end, a snap fit end, a friction fit end, a quick connect end,and the like and is not intended to be limited herein. In the presentembodiment, the handle 2044 is also a receptacle 2046 in that it issolid but defines an interior space 2048 configured to hold liquid or asolid filler as with embodiment 10, 1010. The receptacle 2046 handlepreferably has a first end 2050 having an opening 2052 therein. Asshown, the opening is as wide as the first end 2050 of the receptacle,however, the opening 2052 may be formed so as to be smaller than the end2050 of the receptacle such as a forced opening through a top surface.

The receptacle also has a receptacle connector piece 2054 which shouldpreferably be configured so as to mate with the base connector piece2042 for connecting the base 2014 to the receptacle 2046. Whenassembled, the receptacle as shown locks by mating connections, which asshown are threads 2049. Embodiment 2010, like embodiment 1010,illustrates use of external threads 2049 on the connector piece 2054 ofthe receptacle 2046 which mate with threads on the interior surface ofthe base (these features are shown in base 1014 for embodiment 1010 andare the same as are used in the present invention embodiment 2010). Thethreads tighten to hold the receptacle to the base. It will beunderstood to one skilled in the art, based on this disclosure, that awide variety of fastening connection methods may be used, mating threadsbeing preferred, but snap fit, friction fit, connectors and the like mayalso be employed within the scope of and without departing from thespirit of the invention.

After the cake pop or other molded treat is formed, the receptacle canbe detached if desired to introduce into the interior space 2048 of thereceptacle a second liquid or a solid filler, which may be the same ordifferent than the cake pop material or other moldable solid. Thus, anyof the liquids or moldable solids noted herein may be used.

Preferably, the receptacle connector piece 2054 and the base connectorpiece 2042 are releasably connectable to each other for installing andremoving the receptacle.

The support surface may be formed of a variety of materials, such asmolded polymeric materials, including composites thereof, and otherfood-grade approved surfaces such as wood, e.g., the materials issuedfor making frozen pop sticks. As with embodiments 10, 1010, a woodinsert 2056 (also formed of a food-grade material) may provided to thebase 2014. The wood insert should have an opening 2058 extendinglongitudinally therethrough preferably in line with the opening 2040 inthe base 2014. The wood insert 2056 is preferably configured as a disc(or other shape conforming to the base) to be situated on the supportsurface 2034, on an upper face 2036 thereof, on the base 2014. Thus, theopening 2058 in the wood insert 2056 is situated so as to be in fluidcommunication with the opening 2040 in the base 2014. Upon use of themold, the wood insert 2056 contacts a cake pop or other molded treatformed within the interior mold space of the female mold body.

The base 2014 preferably includes an upwardly and/or outwardly extendingwall 2060. As shown, the wall extends outwardly from the support surface2034 so as to extend directly upwardly. However, the wall could leanoutwardly as well so as to be more “dish-like”. The wall 2060 and thesupport surface 2034 together define a receiving area 2062 for holding acake pop or other molded treat after assembly the mold for use with abaked cake 2037 or other solid formed material on the top thereof withthe receptable 2046 at the bottom. Thus, the wall 2060 acts to hold thebottom portion of a cake pop or other molded treat with enhancedstability, although this wall may be optional in this embodiment. Itshould be understood, however, that a wall may be omitted in certainembodiments and/or shaped differently than as shown. Further, ifprovided, the wall 2060 preferably conforms along a perimeter edgethereof to the shape of the base support surface 2034. The wall may beformed of any of the materials noted above with respect to embodiments10, 1010.

The removable male insert mold body as shown and in the presentembodiment has an elongated body piece 2064, a first end 2068 and aninsert end 2070 and preferably has dimensions consistent with thosenoted above for male insert 16, 1016 in embodiments 10, 1010respectively, and may also have a blunt or a pointed or curved insertend, omit a head if desired and also be hollow or solid. The size may bevaried by preference depending on the shape of the mold and the amountof solid cake pop or molded treat desired at the top eating end and thewidth of the core designed for a given design configuration and takinginto account the factors noted above with respect to embodiments 10,1010. The male insert mold body is also preferably formed of a materialsuch a those noted above and which does not stick to or bond to a liquidor moldable solid when the cake pop or other molded treat is formed soas to retain the structural integrity of the treat throughout theforming, baking or freezing process.

The frozen treats and other edible products formed based on thedisclosure herein and various embodiments noted above can be produced atlow cost and can provide various end applications for the resultingtreats and products. Applications include alcoholic treats as notedabove which enable a user to combine and mix flavored spirits withvarious flavors of molded frozen ice for a wide variety frozen alcoholictreats. As there is high demand in this area of the alcoholic beveragemarket, such treats provide a unique niche to satisfy an expandingconsumer preference. The varieties introduced can vary greatlyconsidering, for example, that just with respect to vodka, there areover forty flavored vodkas available for use. Thus, a user can make, forexample, a treat formed from chocolate flavored vodka through strawberryflavored molded ice. Other flavored spirits, wine, champagne, etc. couldbe put in the hollow handle to match with flavored molded ice and createnew combinations. Further, as noted above, liquids for drinking within afrozen molded treat can also be non-alcoholic, natural juice and juiceconcentrate drinks, Kool-Aid®, liquid fruit or vegetable combinationdrinks, water, iced tea, lemonade and the like.

The mold infused with a liquid center does not have to be a frozentreat. The mold could be used to incorporate a solid confection such ascookie, cake or brownie (e.g., there are now recipes available formicrowave “mug” brownies and similar cake treats that could be madewithin the mold). This opens an alternative end application for themolds described herein as fun products for desserts, children's parties,etc.

The product end applications can also be used in marketing as thehandles can be formed in a variety of shapes and/or a variety of femalemold shapes can be provided beyond the conical shape shown in thedrawings as an example so that the molds can be modified to capitalizeon popular characters, brand symbols, geographic places, familiar shapesand the like.

As noted above, the mold can also be used for medical/healthapplications and for the vitamin supplement industry. Liquid healthproducts are becoming more popular. The molds herein can be used asdelivery systems for vitamin supplements such as, for example, vitaminB₁₂ or B complex, vitamin E, mineral oil and omega-3 supplements,carbohydrates, electrolytes, proteins, L-Arginine, health shakes andsmoothies, and similar products. In the medical field, as noted above,the delivery system can be used to provide nutrients to those havingdifficulties taking medicine due to illness or an inability to swallowpills (including, for example, the elderly, those withgastroenterological or breathing issues, small children), or who aregoing through treatments that lead to nausea. It can also function as aeasier way for babies and small children to intake Pedialyte®. Frozentreats have always been popular for people during illness as a palatableway to slowly intake fluids, to reduce fever or cool a sore throat aswell as for medication. The frozen treats herein can satisfy all suchuses with the added benefit of the ability to push liquid through afrozen treat.

Uses can also be envisioned for novelty and adult entertainment purposesor to create personalized or customized molds for gifts or personalenjoyment.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A method of forming a frozen pop or a molded treathaving a frozen or molded pop body and a core space inside the frozen ormolded pop body having a liquid and/or a solid therein, comprising:providing a mold comprising a female mold body defining an interior moldspace and having a first open end and a second end; a base having asupport surface with an opening extending longitudinally therethrough,the base configured to be positioned around or within the first end ofthe mold body and to support by the support surface a frozen pop or amolded treat formed in the interior space of the female mold body; and aremovable male insert mold body, wherein the male insert mold body isconfigured to be positioned within the female mold body in generallongitudinal alignment with the opening in the support surface of thebase; providing a first liquid or a moldable solid to the interior moldspace of the female mold body through the first open end thereof;positioning the base around or within the female mold, wherein the firstliquid has a volume sufficient to freeze in contact to the base or themoldable solid has a volume sufficient to solidify in contact to thebase; positioning the male insert body so that it passes through theopening in the base and extends at least partially along a length of theinterior mold space of the female mold body; freezing the first liquidor solidifying the moldable solid in the female mold body to form afrozen pop body or a molded treat body, respectively; removing the maleinsert body to form the core space within the frozen pop body or themolded body treat body, respectively; and providing a second liquidand/or a solid to the core space in the frozen pop body or the moldedtreat body so as to be positioned within the core space through theopening in the support surface of the base.
 27. The method of forming afrozen pop according to claim 26, wherein the first liquid is differentfrom the second liquid.
 28. The method of forming a frozen pop accordingto claim 26, wherein at least one of the first liquid and the secondliquid comprises an alcoholic beverage.
 29. The method of forming afrozen pop according to claim 26, wherein the base of the mold furthercomprises a detachable handle configured to prevent the second liquidand/or the solid from leaking from the base, and the method furthercomprises attaching the handle and removing the female mold body afterproviding the second liquid and/or the solid to the core space.
 30. Themethod of forming a frozen pop according to claim 26, wherein the firstliquid further comprises a solid mixed therein.
 31. The method offorming a frozen pop according to claim 26, wherein the first liquid islayered with a solid food prior to freezing.
 32. A frozen pop or moldedtreat, comprising: a frozen pop body or molded treat body formed from afirst liquid or a moldable solid, respectively, the frozen pop body orthe moldable solid having a first end and a second end, the frozen popbody or the molded treat body each defining a core space, the core spacehaving a first open end and a second closed end; a second liquid and/ora solid within the core space; a base having a support surface incontact with the first end of the frozen pop body or the first end ofthe molded treat body and having an opening extending therethroughsituated so as to be in fluid communication with the first open end ofthe core space; and a detachable handle configured to attach to the baseand prevent leakage of the second liquid from the core space.
 33. Thefrozen pop or molded treat according to claim 32, wherein the firstliquid is different from the second liquid.
 34. The frozen pop or moldedtreat according to claim 32, further comprising handle having areceptacle defining an interior space therein for receiving and holdingthe second liquid.
 35. The frozen pop or molded treat according to claim32, wherein the first liquid further comprises a solid.
 36. The frozenpop or molded treat according to claim 32, wherein the first liquid islayered with a solid.